Safety sign device with modular dual signs and related methods

ABSTRACT

A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/505,848filed Jul. 9, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,780,823, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 16/040,646 filed Jul. 20, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,343,598, which is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 15/595,015 filed May 15, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,062,309,which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of safety devices, and, moreparticularly, to a school bus safety device and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Given the primary purpose of a school bus vehicle, these vehiclesinclude several safety devices. Indeed, governmental regulation, bothfederal and state level, require certain features. In particular, theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for School Buses requiresschool bus pedestrian safety devices, for example, a stop signal arm,roll over protection, body joint strength, and passenger seating andcrash protection. Of course, the federal and state regulations merelyestablish a floor requirement for safety devices, and there is a robustmarket for supplemental safety devices, such as the near ubiquitousschool bus crossing arm.

Federal regulations define the “[s]top signal arm means [as] a devicethat can be extended outward from the side of a school bus to provide asignal to other motorists not to pass the bus because it has stopped toload or discharge passengers.” 49 C.F.R. § 571.131. Regulations mandatethe shape and font lettering size for the stop signal arm. Nevertheless,there have been several approaches to improving the visibility of thestop signal arm.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,245,465 to Geyer et al. discloses anotherapproach to the stop signal arm device. This device extends further intothe adjacent lane to reduce instances in which motorists pass a stoppedschool bus. A first frame is permanently secured to conventional stopsign mechanism. A second breakaway frame or arm is attachable to anddetachable from the first frame, and extends beyond the conventionalstop sign. If a vehicle strikes the second frame, it separates withoutsignificantly damaging the conventional stop sign mechanism. Theextension arm can be moved between a retracted and extended position bythe same mechanism that opens and closes the conventional stop sign, orwith a new mechanism entirely.

SUMMARY

Generally, a safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign devicemay include a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hingebeing coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hingebeing coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupledto the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the sideof the vehicle. The first hinge may be configured to extend and retractthe first sign between a retracted position and an extended position.The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in theextended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle inthe retracted position. The safety sign device may include a firstflexible arm coupled to the first hinge and comprising an elongatehousing, and a plurality of visual indicators carried by the elongatehousing, the first flexible arm being substantially parallel to thefirst sign.

In particular, the second sign may be immovably fixed to the side of thevehicle. The safety sign device may also include an L-shaped arm coupledbetween the first hinge and the first flexible arm. The first flexiblearm may comprise an elastic base coupled between the elongate housingand the first sign. The plurality of visual indicators may be configuredto be activated when the first sign is in the extended position. Theelongate housing may comprise opposing first and second longitudinalsides, and the plurality of visual indicators may be carried on both ofthe opposing first and second longitudinal sides. The plurality ofvisual indicators may include, for example, a plurality of lightemitting diodes (LEDs).

Additionally, the safety sign device may also include a motor configuredto toggle the first sign between the extended position and the retractedposition. The safety sign device may further include a third sign havingproximal and distal ends, and a third hinge being coupled to theproximal end of the third sign. The third hinge may be coupled to theside of the vehicle spaced apart from the first hinge. The safety signdevice may also comprise a second flexible arm coupled to the distal endof the third sign and comprising an elongate housing, and a plurality ofvisual indicators carried by the elongate housing, the second flexiblearm being substantially parallel to the third sign.

Another aspect is directed to a method of making a safety sign devicefor a vehicle. The method may include coupling a first hinge to aproximal end of a first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side ofthe vehicle, and coupling a second sign to the side of the vehicle andbeing substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hingemay be configured to extend and retract the first sign between aretracted position and an extended position. The first and second signsmay be transverse to each other in the extended position, and be flatagainst the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The methodmay also include coupling a first flexible arm to the first hinge, thefirst flexible arm comprising an elongate housing, and a plurality ofvisual indicators carried by the elongate housing, the first flexiblearm being substantially parallel to the first sign.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a safety sign device and associatedvehicle, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the safety sign device in an extendedposition.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the safety sign device in a retractedposition.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the safety sign device in theextended position.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third sign in an example embodiment of thesafety sign device in an extended position.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a retention device in an example embodiment ofthe safety sign device in a retracted position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the safety signdevice and associated vehicle, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the safety sign device of FIG. 7 in anextended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base 100reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternativeembodiments.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a safety sign device 10 according tothe present disclosure is now described. The safety sign device 10 isillustratively attached to a vehicle 11. The vehicle 11 may comprise,for example, a school bus (providing a stop signal device), or a truck.The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a first sign (e.g. astop sign) 12 having proximal (i.e. closer to the vehicle) and distal(i.e. further from the vehicle) ends, and a first hinge 19 being coupledto the proximal end of the first sign. The first hinge 19 is alsocoupled to a side of the vehicle 11.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a second hinge 20being coupled to the distal end of the first sign 12, and a second sign(e.g. a stop sign) 13 having a medial portion coupled to the secondhinge, thereby providing a dual hinged/dual signed safety sign device.The first and second hinges 19, 20 are coupled at opposite sides of thefirst sign 12. The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes an arm17 coupled between the second sign 13 and the side of the vehicle 11 andconfigured to extend and retract the first and second signs 12-13between a retracted position (FIG. 3) and an extended position (FIG. 2).

As will be appreciated, in the school bus application, the first andsecond signs 12-13 would be in the extended position when stopped andtransferring passengers. The first and second signs 12-13 are transverseto each other in the extended position. In particular, the first andsecond signs 12-13 are substantially perpendicular to each other in theextended position, i.e. between 75-105 degrees.

Also, the first and second signs 12-13 are flat against the side of thevehicle 11 in the retracted position. As will be appreciated, in theschool bus application, the first and second signs 12-13 would be in theretracted position when the vehicle 11 is in motion. In other words, thefirst and second signs 12-13 are substantially parallel to each other inthe retracted position, i.e. within 20 degrees of parallel to eachother.

The safety sign device 10 further illustratively includes a firstflexible arm 14 coupled to the first sign 12 and comprising an elongatehousing 16, and a plurality of visual indicators 21 a-211 carried by theelongate housing. In some embodiments, the plurality of visualindicators 21 a-211 comprises text based indicators, such as “stop”,“slow”, “caution”, which may be selectively activated via embedded lightsources.

The first flexible arm 14 is substantially parallel to the first sign12. In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the first flexible arm 14is within 20 degrees of parallel to the first sign 12. Helpfully, thefirst flexible arm 14 enhances visibility, and readily flexes to impactfrom errant vehicles.

In particular, the first flexible arm 14 illustratively includes anelastic base 15 coupled between the elongate housing 16 and the firstsign 12. For example, the elastic base 15 may comprise a plurality ofsprings, a double barreled hinge, or a 180 degree swivel hinge. In someembodiments, the elastic base 15 includes a plurality of aligned heavyduty springs. In other embodiments, the elastic base 15 may comprise aflexible polymer base having an H-shape. For example, the elastic base15 may be constituted similarly to the lower portion of the trafficbeacon disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,594 to Schindler, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In fact, due to the elastic base 15, if the first flexible arm 14 isimpacted during an accident, the elongate housing 16 will readily bendaway and return to its original position. Helpfully, the first flexiblearm 14 is resistant to damage and inflicts little damage on the othervehicle. This is contrast to the breakaway approach of U.S. Pat. No.9,245,465 to Geyer et al., which is costly to repair. Moreover, thelight weight approach of the safety sign device 10 is readilyretrofitted onto existing stop signal devices.

Also, the first flexible arm 14 has lower position close to the ground,than the approach of the '465 patent, which makes it more difficult forerrant vehicles to drive under the warning arm. The first flexible arm14 also extends longitudinally further out than the approach of the '465patent, which enhances visibility.

In another embodiment, the elongate housing 16 of the first flexible arm14 may comprise a rubberized external layer (other materials could beused, e.g., foam plastic). Helpfully, this rubberized external layerprevents damage to errant vehicles. Also, the external layer preventsinadvertent damage to a paint layer of the side of the vehicle 11.

The plurality of visual indicators 21 a-211 is configured to beactivated when the first and second signs 12-13 are in the extendedposition. In some embodiments, the elongate housing 16 comprisesopposing first and second longitudinal sides, and the plurality ofvisual indicators 21 a-211 is to be carried on both of the opposingfirst and second longitudinal sides. Additionally, the plurality ofvisual indicators 21 a-211 may comprise a plurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the elongate housing 16 may comprise ananti-ballistic plastic material. In other embodiments, the elongatehousing 16 may comprise a metallic material or cellulose material (e.g.wood material).

In the illustrated embodiment, the safety sign device 10 furtherillustratively includes a fourth hinge 24, and first and second supports22-23 coupled between the fourth hinge and the first sign 12. The firstflexible arm 14 is coupled to a medial joint of the first and secondsupports 22-23. In other embodiments, the first flexible arm 14 may becoupled directly to the first sign 12, thereby eliminating the first andsecond supports 22-23.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes a motor 18 coupled tothe arm 17 and configured to toggle the first and second signs 12-13between the extended and retracted positions. In some embodiments, themotor 18 may be alternatively coupled to the first hinge 19 forextending the first sign 12. Advantageously, via the action of the arm17 and the second hinge 20, the second sign 13 rotates outward into thetransverse position.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 5, the safety sign device 10illustratively includes a third sign 25 having proximal and distal ends,and a third hinge 29 being coupled to the proximal end of the thirdsign. The third hinge 29 is coupled to the side of the vehicle 11 spacedapart from the first hinge 19 and adjacent a rear of the vehicle. Thesafety sign device 10 illustratively includes a second flexible arm 30coupled to the distal end of the third sign 25. The second flexible arm30 illustratively includes an elastic base 26 coupled to the distal endof the third sign 25, an elongate housing 27 coupled to the elasticbase, and a plurality of visual indicators 31 a-31 d carried by theelongate housing.

The safety sign device 10 illustratively includes an additional motor28, and a third hinge 29 powered by the motor to switch betweenretracted and extended (FIG. 5) positions. In the extended position, thesecond flexible arm 30 is substantially parallel to the third sign 25.In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the second flexible arm 30 iswithin 20 degrees of parallel to the third sign 25. In the retractedposition, the third sign 25 and the second flexible arm 30 are flatagainst the side of the vehicle 11. In other words, the third sign 25 issubstantially parallel to the side of vehicle 11, i.e. within 20 degreesof parallel to each other.

In some embodiments, the motors 18, 28 may be onboard motors provided bythe vehicle 11. In other embodiment, the motors 18, 28 be modular andseparate from the original vehicle, i.e. aftermarket.

In yet another embodiment (FIG. 6), the safety sign device 10illustratively includes a retention device 32 coupled to the side of thevehicle 11. The retention device 32 is configured to retain the firstflexible arm 14 firmly and securely against the side of the vehicle 11while in the retracted position. Advantageously, this feature alsoprevents inadvertent damage to the paint layer of the side of thevehicle 11 from movement during motion of the vehicle. The retentiondevice 32 may comprise a flexible retention arm with a medial bump 33configured to require the first flexible arm 14 to flex upward and out(see dashed line in FIG. 6) when being moved out of the retractedposition. The retention device 32 also includes a proximal portion 34extending outward from the side of the vehicle 11. In other embodiments,the retention device 32 may comprise an interface lock, a magnetic lock,or a spring loaded locking mechanism.

In another embodiment, the safety sign device 10 illustratively includesan image sensor device, and associated memory/processing circuitrycoupled thereto. In this embodiment, the safety sign device 10 alsoincludes a sensor configured to detect when the first flexible arm 14 isflexed beyond a threshold limit while in the extended position, forexample, greater than 20 degrees from rest position (threshold degreecould be between 10-45 degrees). When the sensor is triggered, the imagesensor device would record the area adjacent and underneath the firstflexible arm 14 for record keeping purposes.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a safety sign device10 for a vehicle 11. The method includes coupling a first hinge 19 to aproximal end of a first sign 12, the first hinge being coupled to a sideof the vehicle 11, coupling a second hinge 20 to a distal end of thefirst sign, and coupling a medial portion of a second sign 13 to thesecond hinge. The method also includes coupling an arm 17 between thesecond sign 13 and the side of the vehicle 11, the arm configured toextend and retract the first and second signs 12-13 between a retractedposition and an extended position. The first and second signs 12-13 aretransverse to each other in the extended position, and are flat againstthe side of the vehicle 11 in the retracted position. The methodcomprises coupling a first flexible arm 14 to the first sign 12 andcomprising an elongate housing 16, and a plurality of visual indicators21 a-211 carried by the elongate housing, the first flexible arm beingsubstantially parallel to the first sign.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 7-8, another embodiment of thesafety sign device 110 is now described. In this embodiment of thesafety sign device 110, those elements already discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1-6 are incremented by 100 and most require no furtherdiscussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodimentin that this safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a first sign112 having proximal and distal end, and a first hinge 119 being coupledto the proximal end of the first sign. The first hinge 119 isillustratively coupled to a side of the vehicle 111.

The safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a second sign 113being coupled to the side of the vehicle 111 and being substantiallyparallel (±20° within parallel) to the side of the vehicle. The firsthinge 119 is configured to extend and retract the first sign 112 betweena retracted position (i.e. flat against the side of the vehicle 111) andan extended position, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 8 (i.e. substantiallyperpendicular with the side of the vehicle: 75-105 degrees of angle).The first and second signs 112, 113 are transverse to each other in theextended position. In particular, the first and second signs 112, 113are substantially perpendicular to each other in the extended position,i.e. between 75-105 degrees. The first and second signs 112, 113 may beflat (i.e. substantially parallel to the side of vehicle) against theside of the vehicle 111 in the retracted position.

The safety sign device 110 illustratively includes a first flexible arm114 coupled to the first hinge 119 and comprising an elongate housing116, and a plurality of visual indicators carried by the elongatehousing. The first flexible arm 114 is substantially parallel to thefirst sign 112. In particular, in a rest/non-flexed state, the firstflexible arm 114 is within 20 degrees of parallel to the first sign 112.

In particular, the second sign 113 is immovably fixed to the side of thevehicle 111, and is permanently mounted, which in contrast to theembodiments of FIGS. 1-6. The safety sign device 110 illustrativelyincludes an L-shaped arm 140-141 coupled between the first hinge 119 andthe first flexible arm 114. Since the L-shaped arm 140-141 is coupled tothe first hinge 119, when the first sign 112 is placed in the extendedposition, the L-shaped arm 140-141 is also similarly extended viarotation.

Of course, the L-shaped arm 140-141 is merely exemplary and could beshaped differently, such as canted single arm. The L-shaped arm 140-141may comprise a material (e.g. steel, aluminum) of sufficient mechanicalstrength to carry the first flexible arm 114 and absorb potential impactfrom errant vehicles.

Although not shown in this embodiment, the safety sign device 110 mayinclude a motor coupled to the first hinge 119 and configured to togglethe first sign 112 between the extended and retracted positions. In someembodiments, the vehicle 111 includes a control panel (mounted on theinterior for use by the driver) for actuating the motor. The controlpanel would permit selective actuation of the motor and temporarydisablement of the actuation when the vehicle lacks the clearance toextend the first flexible arm 114.

In some embodiments, the motor may be actuated via a wired/wirelessremote control, and in other embodiments, the safety sign device 110 mayinclude a controller with a wireless transceiver (e.g. cellulartransceiver, IEEE 802.11x transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver). Thewireless transceiver would permit remote actuation of the motor over theInternet, such as via a mobile cellular phone software application.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the safety sign device 110 ismounted to a longitudinal side of the vehicle 111. In other embodiments,the safety sign device 110 can be mounted to a rear side or a front sideof the vehicle 111. In yet other embodiments, the safety sign device 110can mounted on a tailgate lift or platform attached to the side of thevehicle 111.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is notto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and thatmodifications and embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A safety sign device for a vehicle, the safety sign devicecomprising: a sign having proximal and distal ends; a first hinge beingcoupled between the proximal end of said sign and a side of the vehicle;and a flexible arm coupled to said first hinge and comprising anelongate housing, an elastic base coupled to said elongate housing, anda plurality of visual indicators carried by said elongate housing, saidflexible arm being substantially parallel to said sign; said first hingeconfigured to extend and retract said flexible arm and said sign betweena retracted position and an extended position.
 2. The safety sign deviceof claim 1 further comprising an L-shaped arm coupled between said firsthinge and said flexible arm.
 3. The safety sign device of claim 1wherein said plurality of visual indicators is configured to beactivated when said sign is in the extended position.
 4. The safety signdevice of claim 1 wherein said elongate housing comprises opposing firstand second longitudinal sides; and wherein said plurality of visualindicators are carried on both of said opposing first and secondlongitudinal sides.
 5. The safety sign device of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of visual indicators comprises a plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs).
 6. The safety sign device of claim 1 further comprising amotor configured to toggle said sign between the extended position andthe retracted position.
 7. The safety sign device of claim 1 furthercomprising an image sensor, and a sensor coupled to said image sensorand configured to detect when said flexible arm is flexed beyond athreshold limit while in the extended position.
 8. The safety signdevice of claim 7 wherein when said sensor is triggered, said imagesensor device is configured to record an area adjacent said flexiblearm.
 9. The safety sign device of claim 1 wherein said elongate housingcomprises a plastic base, and a deformable external layer.
 10. A safetysign device for a vehicle, the safety sign device comprising: a signhaving proximal and distal ends; a first hinge being coupled between theproximal end of said sign and a side of the vehicle; and a flexible armcoupled to said first hinge and comprising an elongate housingcomprising opposing first and second longitudinal sides, an elastic basecoupled to said elongate housing, and a plurality of visual indicatorscarried by both of said opposing first and second longitudinal sides ofsaid elongate housing, said flexible arm being substantially parallel tosaid sign; said first hinge configured to extend and retract saidflexible arm and said sign between a retracted position and an extendedposition; said plurality of visual indicators configured to be activatedwhen said sign is in the extended position.
 11. The safety sign deviceof claim 10 further comprising an L-shaped arm coupled between saidfirst hinge and said flexible arm.
 12. The safety sign device of claim10 wherein said plurality of visual indicators comprises a plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs).
 13. The safety sign device of claim 10further comprising a motor configured to toggle said sign between theextended position and the retracted position.
 14. The safety sign deviceof claim 10 further comprising an image sensor, and a sensor coupled tosaid image sensor and configured to detect when said flexible arm isflexed beyond a threshold limit while in the extended position.
 15. Thesafety sign device of claim 14 wherein when said sensor is triggered,said image sensor device is configured to record an area adjacent saidflexible arm.
 16. The safety sign device of claim 10 wherein saidelongate housing comprises a plastic base, and a deformable externallayer.
 17. A method for making a safety sign device for a vehicle, themethod comprising: coupling a first hinge between a proximal end of asign and a side of the vehicle; and coupling a flexible arm to the firsthinge, the flexible arm comprising an elongate housing, an elastic basecoupled to the elongate housing, and a plurality of visual indicatorscarried by the elongate housing, the flexible arm being substantiallyparallel to the sign; the first hinge configured to extend and retractthe flexible arm and the sign between a retracted position and anextended position.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprisingcoupling an L-shaped arm between the first hinge and the flexible arm.19. The method of claim 17 wherein the plurality of visual indicators isconfigured to be activated when the sign is in the extended position.20. The method of claim 17 wherein the elongate housing comprisesopposing first and second longitudinal sides; and wherein the pluralityof visual indicators are carried on both of the opposing first andsecond longitudinal sides.